Harmless - yet not very pleasant. The fact that your menstrual cup smells bad is usually due to reasons that can be easily solved. Most often, it's a matter of being more careful with cleaning to avoid bad odours. Always clean your menstrual cup properly after each use and boil it in water when your period is over. Always store your menstrual cup in a dry and cool place after use. Avoid tight packaging, such as plastic, as this allows bacteria to thrive. Instead, use a cotton pouch for example.

Why does my menstrual cup smell bad?  

There can be several reasons why your menstrual cup smells bad. If the odour refuses to go away no matter what you do, we recommend replacing the period cup. Not because it's dangerous, but because it can be uncomfortable and annoying. The most important thing is that you always feel comfortable with your menstrual cup. If your period cup smells bad, it is probably due to the following reasons. 

- The holes are not clean  

The menstrual cup has small holes to ensure a tight seal so it doesn't leak or slide down. If the menstrual cup is not washed properly, these holes can become blocked and cause bad odours, because old menstrual blood may be left in these holes. You can try using a mild soap and rinsing with lukewarm water until no soap or menstrual blood remains. Always boil the menstrual cup in 1 litre of water for 10 minutes before using it for the first time, and when you have finished using it for this time.  

- Storage  

If the cup is stored in an airtight package, such as plastic, and not allowed to dry out properly between your cycles, bad odours can appear. We recommend to store the cup in the FlowCup Cotton Pouch. 

- Infection  

If you have difficulty removing bad odour from your menstrual cup and also feel some odour from the vagina when you remove the cup, it may be due to an infection. Be particularly careful with your hand hygiene and boil the cup to avoid bacterial growth. Do not have your period cup in for more than 12 hours and clean it well every time you empty it. It is important to not use the menstrual cup for more than 12 hours at a time. Infections such as fungal infections are quite common for women and are easy to get rid of with the right treatment. If you experience fever, vomiting and diarrhoea, skin redness, swollen palms, dizziness and muscle pain, it is important to seek medical help.  

- Careful hygiene  

To keep your menstrual cup clean and fresh, it is important to always be careful about your hand hygiene. If you are not careful, there is a risk that your menstrual cup will start to smell bad. Always have clean hands before touching your menstrual cup and clean it every time you empty your period. Always use the FlowCup Cleaning Bag or boil your menstrual cup between each period and store your menstrual cup in a dry and cool place, preferably in the FlowCup Cotton Bag.